God would manifest," saying that nine years later the reality of His
own mission would become apparent. In His writings He stated that in the
ninth year this expected one would be known; in the ninth year they would
attain to all glory and felicity; in the ninth year they would advance
rapidly. Between Baha'u'llah and the Bab there was communication
privately. The Bab wrote a letter containing three hundred and sixty
derivatives of the root "Baha." The Bab was martyred in Tabriz, and
Baha'u'llah exiled into Iraq-Arabie in 1852, announced Himself in
Ba_gh_dad. For the Iranian Government had decided that as long as He
remained in Iran the peace of the country would be disturbed; therefore He
was exiled in the expectation that Iran would become quiet. His
banishment, however, produced the opposite effect. New tumult arose and
the mention of His greatness and influence spread everywhere throughout
the country. The proclamation of His manifestation and mission was made in
Ba_gh_dad. He called his friends together there and spoke to them of God.
Afterward He left the city and went alone into the mountains of Kurdistan
where He made his abode in caves and grottoes. A part of this time He
lived in the city of Sulimaniyye. Two years passed during which neither
His friends nor family knew just where He was.

Although solitary, secluded and unknown in His retirement, the report
spread throughout Kurdistan that this was a most remarkable and learned
personage gifted with a wonderful power of attraction. In a short time
Kurdistan was magnetized with His love. During this period Baha'u'llah
lived in poverty. His garments were those of the poor and needy. His food
was that of the indigent and lowly. An atmosphere of majesty haloed Him as
the sun at midday. Everywhere He was greatly revered and beloved.

After two years He returned to Ba_gh_dad. Friends He had known in
Sulimaniyye came to visit Him. They found Him in his accustomed
environment of ease and affluence and were astonished at the appointments
of one who had lived in seclusion under such frugal conditions in
Kurdistan.

The Iranian government believed the banishment of the Blessed Perfection
from Iran would be the extermination of His Cause in that country. These
rulers now realized that it spread more rapidly. His prestige increased,
His teachings became more widely circulated. The chiefs of Iran then used
their influence to have Baha'u'llah exiled from Ba_gh_dad. He was s